WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to provide urgently needed funds to pay bills related to unmet COVID-19 needs and the January 6 insurrection, and to better safeguard the U.S. Capitol against the possibility of future attacks, the Senate Appropriations Committee today reached an agreement on a $2.085 billion emergency spending bill.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, issued the following statement:

“This is about supporting our democracy and supporting law enforcement.  These funds are needed to enhance public safety and reimburse the National Guard, U.S. Capitol Police, and other law enforcement agencies that helped defend our democracy from attack on January 6.

“This bipartisan agreement will help address critical safety and health needs of the Capitol complex and those who work in and visit the U.S. Capitol.  It also addresses other urgent issues, such as relocating Afghan refugees who put their lives on the line to assist U.S. troops over the last two decades.

“Congress has a duty to pay the National Guard and Capitol Police.  This money needs to be approved and out the door before Guard units and police officers are forced to cancel training and weaken readiness.”